What we are doing for Deaf Awareness Week

Did you know next week Deaf Awareness week? Here at Living Sport we are involved in supporting the Peterborough Deaf Sports Network that we helped set up with UK Deaf Sport in 2015. The group is small but are passionate and motivated working with the deaf community in Peterborough in order to improve their health by increasing involvement in sport and physical activity in a way that enables them to be involved and achieve their goals. The network includes a number of organisations who support our work including UK Deaf Sport, Cambridgeshire Deaf Association and Vivacity (Peterborough). Together we try to improve access to sports and physical activity opportunities, championing the need for activities to be deaf friendly.

Currently only 10.8% of the deaf population participate in any type of sport or physical activity and one of the main barriers is communication. The Network are keen to help groups and individuals find ways to overcome the barrier of communication and other barriers they may face to get active.

During Deaf Awareness week Living Sport and Vivacity are holding a Deaf Awareness Workshop for sports deliverers on Monday evening (14th May). For details and to book visit website

Vivacity Sport are running introduction to the Gym sessions with a BSL interpreter during Deaf Awareness Week at the Regional Fitness and Swimming Pool on Monday 14th May from 9:30-11:30 / Tuesday 15th May 9-11am / Friday 18th May 5-7pm which will include a tour of facilities and chance to talk about arranging membership. To book contact Matt Taylor matt.taylor@vivacity.org

We have also developed and supported a number of other Deaf Friendly activities in Peterborough and these include:

Football

Peterborough United Deaf football teams have been running for a number of years. Deaf adult football training takes place on Tuesday nights at Peterborough United’s Mick George Training Academy at Nene Park Academy in Peterborough at 7.30pm. All players are welcome. Training is led by former Great Britain Manager Phillip Gardner. Deaf Youth Football training takes place on Monday nights at Longthorpe Sports Field, all players are welcome. Contact andyp@cambsdeaf.org for more details about football

Deaf Friendly Cycling available with Thorpe Ventures Community Cycling club every Saturday morning 9.30-11.30am at Jack Hunt School. All levels of ability welcome, bike and helmet supplied if needed. Contact Steve tvcyclingclub@thorpe-ventures.com

Running

Deaf Friendly Running available on the Vivacity Embankment athletics track on the first and third Wednesday evening of the month from 7-8pm. Go down this Wednesday 16th May. Beginners welcome, cost £1 per person per session. Coaches are deaf friendly and have basic BSL and experience of coaching deaf runners. Contact Tim Cook tim30dstj@aol.com to let them know you are coming down.

Peterborough Park Run welcomes deaf runners – why not try a 5k out this Saturday morning @Nene Park (Ferry Meadows). If you would like support at the event contact Tim Cook tim30dstj@aol.com to let them know you are coming down.

Deaf Friendly running coaching available in Peterborough if a group want to run together with just a coach. Cost will depend on numbers, time and day -which is up to the group. Contact Tim Cook tim30dstj@aol.com for more information

Sammy’s Sports Clubs

Sammy’s sports club are holiday clubs specifically aimed at young deaf & hard of hearing people aged 8 to 18. The clubs provide an opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities in an environment that is designed to meet their needs. There are coaches at each activity trained in deaf awareness and also a signer to help with communication. The activities are a mixture of multi-sport games and specialised coaching. To find out more about the clubs, the activities or to book please either telephone Sport Works on 01638 596522 or email at eainfo@sportworksltd.co.uk.